In this course you will learn about some of the important topics in physics. To some extent I will seek input from the class to help me to determine what topics are most interesting. We will be doing a lot of hands-on work and will always endeavor to make the work applicable to everyday life. A scientific calculator is not required but is highly recommended. It does not need to be a graphing calculator.
The grading policy of Physics 3 is designed to reflect how much work you put into learning. If you put in the effort to learn the material you will do well. Your grade will be based on the following categories.
Homework may be corrected and handed back to me within two days of receiving the graded work. Students may take a week to complete corrections to lab reports and projects. Quizzes cannot be done again for credit. For homework, copy the problems marked wrong and the corrected solution to a blank piece of paper, giving the name of the assignment, your name, and the date at the top. For lab reports and projects, submit a new draft along with the original draft for purposes of comparison. This opportunity applies to group-work as well but each member of the group is responsible for doing their own corrections individually.
Grading for do-overs will be as follows: a new grade will be calculated on the basis of the corrections submitted. If all problems are corrected the maximum grade will be a 93%. This is to encourage students to endeavor to do well the first time. One correction is all that will be allowed. It is the student’s responsibility to talk to me if they need help to make the corrections.
Note: Only work handed in on time is eligible for corrections.
If you miss class, and it is an excused absence, then you may make up the work you missed. You must see me and ask for the work as soon as you return to class. We will determine due dates for make-up work as needed.
If you do not hand work in on time you will deprive yourself of the opportunity to make corrections. Late work is subject to a penalty of 10%. If the work is more than five school days late then I will not accept it. This applies even if your class does not meet on the fifth day.
I am available before and after school most days to provide help with your work. I arrive around 7 am and will usually be here until at least 3 pm.